Klickitat River, Washington Klickitat River, Washington U.S. Forest Service, Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area Designated Reach: November 17, 1986. From the confluence with Wheeler Creek, near the town of Pitt, to the confluence with the Columbia River. Classification/Mileage: Recreational — 10.8 miles; Total — 10.8 miles. RELATED LINKS Photo Credit: Jacquie Moreau Klickitat River The Klickitat River, located in south-central Washington, flows generally south from its origin on Mt. Adams in the high country of the Yakama Indian Reservation to its confluence with the Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge. The designated segment is the lowermost 10.8 miles of the river. At the upper end of this segment, the river flows through a broad canyon. As it drops toward the Columbia at a steady gradient of 26 feet per mile, the canyon tightens and small rapids spike the channel. At about river mile 2.5, the Klickitat drops into a tight, rock-walled gorge.

The water cascades and crashes through the rocky channel where the tribes and bands of the Yakama Nation have used dip-net fishing continuously for generations to catch salmon and steelhead. Of the mid-Columbia tributaries, the Klickitat is one of the favored fishing sites, due to both the number of fish and the narrow canyon with its high water volume. In addition to the river's outstanding hydrology, the geology of the gorge between river mile 1.1 and 2.5, and the dip-net fishing sites, the river is also the most significant anadromous fishery on the Washington side of the Columbia in the stretch from Bonneville Dam to the Snake River. It supports steelhead trout, Chinook salmon and coho salmon, with six distinct runs. The lower Klickitat offers a variety of recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping and sightseeing. Boat fishing is popular when the salmon and steelhead are running. There is an undeveloped boat put-in/take-out on Klickitat County Park land just below the Pitt bridge and river access at several places along Highway 142, including a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fee camp site Turkey Hole.

The take-out is before the fish screw trap at about river mile 5, just above the Klickitat canyon gorge. The newly operating Fishway and Research Facility at the top of Lyle Falls requires boaters to take out at this point. The first drop, Lyle Falls, is a class 5+ and combined with the narrow canyon beyond is deadly to almost all who miss the take out. The falls also marks the beginning of the tribal in-lieu fishing sites and no boating is allowed through this area. Permits are only required for commercial outfitters; existing commercial outfitters include beginning kayak schools, fishing guides and early season limited rafting. The Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad built a railway linking Lyle and Goldendale in 1903. This branch line was abandoned in 1992 and is now the Klickitat Rails-to-Trail. The trail parallels the river's east bank from the Columbia River to Fisher Hill Bridge, where it crosses to the west bank and continues to the town of Pitt. It crosses Highway 142 and continues along the west bank leaving the wild and scenic river portion traversing many more miles upriver.

Choose a river Choose a river Salmon, Native American culture, history, whitewater boating, unmatched beauty, world-renowned fishing, solitude, what don't Northwest rivers offer in abundance? The Columbia River - Klickitat River, Washington Lewis & Clark's Columbia River - "200 Years Later" "Klickitat River, Washington" Includes ... Klickitat River ... "Cataract River" ... "Rascals River" ... Klickitat River Bridge ... Lyle ... National Register of Historic Places ... The Golden Age of Postcards ... Click image to enlarge Klickitat River, Washington, looking upstream. Klickitat River, Washington, looking upstream, as seen from Washington State Highway 14 bridge at its confluence with the Columbia. Image taken November 11, 2004. Klickitat River ... The Klickitat River is located on the east slope of the Cascade Range in south-central Washington and drains 1,350 square miles. The Klickitat is one of the longest undammed rivers in the northwest, entering the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 180.5.

The Washington community of Lyle sits on the Klickitat's left bank at its junction with the Columbia. Upstream are the basalts of the Rowena Gap and downstream are Chamberlain Lake , Catherine Creek , Major Creek , Rowland Lake , and the basalts of the Bingen Gap . The White Salmon River lies 12 miles downstream. Across from the Klickitat River is Oregon's Mayer State Park . In 1986 the lower 10 miles of the Klickitat River were designated recreational under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, an Act created to preserve in a free-flowing condition selected rivers of the nation which "with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values". Click image to enlarge Klickitat River, Washington, looking upstream. View from trailhead, left bank, upstream from mouth. Image taken September 26, 2015. Click image to enlarge Klickitat River, Washington, looking downstream. View from trailhead, left bank, upstream from mouth, showing the "Twin Bridges". Image taken September 26, 2015. Lyle, Washington ...

Lyle, Washington , is located on the north bank of the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 181, where the Klickitat River merges with the Columbia. Immediately across from Lyle is Mayer State Park and Rowena Crest , Oregon. [ More ] Klickitat River Basin ... According to the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority website (2004), the mainstem Klickitat River arises from the Cascades below Cispus Pass at approximately 5,000 feet elevation and flows 95 miles to its confluence with the Columbia River and the reservoir behind the Bonneville Dam . Major tributaries to the mainstem Klickitat include Swale Creek, Little Klickitat River, Outlet Creek, Big Muddy Creek, West Fork Klickitat River, and Diamond Fork. The geology of the Klickitat drainage is dominated by extensive basalt strata having a total thickness of several thousand feet. Volcanic rocks of four distinct age groups underlie the basin. The Cascade crest is dominated by Mount Adams , a 12,000-foot dormant volcano with an extensive glacier system that drains into the Klickitat River.

At the northwest corner of the basin lie the Goat Rocks, the deeply eroded remnants of an extinct volcano, that reach to about 8,000 feet. The northern boundary is the Klickton Divide, a 7,000-foot ridge of Columbia River Basalt that separates the Klickitat from the watershed of the Tieton River, a tributary to the Yakima. The Lost Horse and Lincoln plateaus, 5,000 to 6,000-foot-high plateaus underlain by Columbia River basalts, separate the Klickitat from the Ahtanum and Toppenish basins, which drain east to the Yakima River. In the southeast part of the basin, younger volcanic rocks, including many cinder cones, cover the older basalts on the divide separating the Klickitat from the Satus Basin. Click image to enlarge Klickitat River drainage, as seen from Rowena Crest, Oregon. The Washington community of Lyle is located on the Klickitat's left bank. Image taken August 23, 2008. Lewis and Clark and the Klickitat River ...

Lewis and Clark passed the mouth of the Klickitat River on October 29, 1805, and named it "Cataract River". "... after brackfast we proceeded on, the mountains are high on each Side, containing Scattering pine white oake & under groth, hill Sides Steep and rockey; at 4 miles lower we observed a Small river falling in with great rapidity on the Stard. Side below which is a village of 11 houses, here we landed to Smoke a pipe with the nativs and examine the mouth of the river, which I found to be 60 yards wide rapid and deep, The inhabitants of the village are friendly and Chearfull; those people inform us also those at the last village that this little river is long and full of falls, no Salmon pass up it, it runs from N. N. E. that ten nations live on this river and its waters, on buries, and what game that Can kill with their Bow & arrows ...

The last river we passed we Shall Call the Cataract River from the number of falls which the Indians say is on it ..." [Clark, October 29, 1805] On their return, the men passed the Klickitat on April 15, 1806. "... a little below the entrance of Cataract river we halted at another village of the same people, at which we were equally unsuccessfull in the purchase of horses. ..." [Lewis, April 15, 1806] Early Klickitat River ... On the Columbia River inset to the "Map of the Oregon Territory", 1841, by Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, the Klickitat River was labeled the "Rascals R.". Across from it was "Upper Cape Horn", the location which matches the impressive basalt lava flow of the Rowena Gap . In 1843 Captain J.C. Fremont called today's Klickitat River "Tinanens creek". The Indian village is near the location of today's Lyle, Washington . "... on Monday Mr.

Perkins assisted me in procuring from the Indians a large canoe, in which I designed to complete our journey to Vancouver ... The village from which were were to take the canoe was on the right bank of the river, about ten miles below, at the mouth of the Tinanens creek ..." [Fremont, November 6, 1843] For some reason McArthur and McArthur in "Oregon Geographic Names" (2003, Oregon Historical Society), says "Tinanens Creek" is Fifteenmile Creek, Oregon. However, Fifteenmile Creek is ABOVE the location of mission at The Dalles, where Fremont was camped, and not BELOW as Fremont writes. Plus, Fremont says the village is AT THE MOUTH of the village, thereby putting Tinanens creek in Washington State, and Fifteenmile Creek is in Oregon. Ten miles below The Dalles on the Washington side of the Columbia lies the Klickitat River. The 1855 "Map of a part of the Territory of Washington : to accompany report of Surveyor General" had the river labeled "Klick-a-tat R." Along the Klickitat River RM 0.0 - 11 ...

Wild and Scenic River ... RM 18 ... Klickitat River Bridge 142/9 ... RM 0.0 ... "Twin Bridges" ... Two bridges, locally known as the "Twin Bridges", cross the mouth of the Klickitat River at Lyle, Washington . The lower railroad bridge was built in 1908 and the upper Highway 14 bridge was built in 1933. Both are concrete open-spandrel arch bridges. Klickitat River Railroad Bridge: The Klickitat River Railroad Bridge crossing the Klickitat River just west of Lyle was built in 1908 by the Contracting and Engineering Company of Tacoma as part of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway . The bridge is 200-feet long and has a 160-foot-long concrete arch. It was listed on the Washington Heritage Register in March 1981. Klickitat River Washington State Highway 14 Bridge: The 265-foot-long concrete arch bridge carries Washington State Highway 14 traffic across the Klickitat River. The arch span is 160 feet. The bridge was built in 1933.

Click image to enlarge Klickitat River and the "twin bridges", as seen from Rowena Crest, Oregon. Image taken August 23, 2008. Click image to enlarge Klickitat River and the "twin bridges", as seen from Rowena Crest, Oregon. Image taken March 6, 2010. Click image to enlarge Klickitat River, Washington, looking downstream at railroad bridge. Klickitat River, Washington, looking downstream, as seen from Washington State Highway 14 bridge at its confluence with the Columbia. Image taken November 11, 2004. Click image to enlarge North side, Highway 14 bridge, Klickitat River, Washington, looking west. View left bank, upstream from mouth. Image taken September 26, 2015. Click image to enlarge South side, Highway 14 bridge, Klickitat River, Washington, looking west. View left bank, upstream from mouth. Image taken September 26, 2015. Click image to enlarge Railroad bridge, Klickitat River, Washington, looking west. View left bank, upstream from mouth.

Image taken September 26, 2015. RM 0.0 - 11 ... Wild and Scenic River ... Designated Reach (November 1986): From the confluence with Wheeler Creek, near the town of Pitt, to the confuence with the Columbia River, total 10.8 miles (U.S. Forest Service website, 2015). Click image to enlarge RM 1.0 ... Klickitat River Valley, looking upstream. Klickitat River Valley, Washington, as seen from the right bank, approximately one mile upstream from its confluence with the Columbia. Image taken November 11, 2004. Click image to enlarge RM 1.0 ... Klickitat River, Washington, upstream one mile. Klickitat River, Washington, looking downstream, as seen from the left bank, upstream one mile from the mouth of the river. Image taken November 11, 2004. RM 18 ... Klickitat River Bridge 142/9 ...

The Washington State Highway 142 Klickitat River Bridge (also known as Bridge Number 142/9) is located near Klickitat River Mile (RM) 18, approximately five miles upstream of the town of Klickitat and two miles downstream from the junction of the Little Klickitat River with the Klickitat. Highway 142 connects the two Washington communities of Lyle and Goldendale. According to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation website (2006) the Klickitat River Bridge was designed in part by Harry R. Powell and Leonard K. Narod and was completed in 1954. The Klickitat River Bridge replaced an old timber truss bridge that had crossed the river at the same location. The new bridge, a pre-stressed concrete structure, was 141 feet and 8 inches long and used the concrete supports of the old bridge. Pre-stressed concrete bridges were developed in France and had been in use in Europe since the mid 1940s. They came into use in the United States in 1950 due to the steel shortages after World War II.

The Klickitat River Bridge became the first of its kind in the State of Washington. In 2002 the Klickitat River Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places (Structure, #02000242), for its "association with and contribution to the beginning and growth of a vigorous precast pre-stressed concrete industry in the state". "The Golden Age of Postcards" ... The early 1900s was the "Golden Age of Postcards". The "Penny Postcard" became a popular way to send greetings to friends and family. The Penny Postcard today has become a snapshot of history. Click image to enlarge Penny Postcard: Klickitat River, Washington, with Mount Hood, Oregon, in the background. Penny Postcard, ca.1910. Caption reads "Klickitat River. Mt. Hood in the distance". #6094, The Portland Post Card Col., Portland, Oregon. In the private collection of Lyn Topinka. From the Journals of Lewis and Clark ... Clark, October 29, 1805 ...

A cloudy morning wind from the West but not hard, we Set out at day light [from their camp on Rocky Island at Crates Point], and proceeded on about five miles Came too on the Stard. Side at a village of 7 houses built in the Same form and materials of those above, here we found the Chief we had Seen at the long narrows [The Dalles] ... they are hospitable and good humered Speak the Same language of the inhabitants of the last village, we call this the friendly village [vicinity of Dougs Beach]. ... after brackfast we proceeded on, the mountains are high on each Side [high basalt cliffs of the Rowena Gap, with Rowena Crest on the south and the Chamberlain Lake area on the north], containing Scattering pine white oake & under groth, hill Sides Steep and rockey; at 4 miles lower we observed a Small river falling in with great rapidity on the Stard.

Side [Klickitat River] below which is a village of 11 houses [today the town of Lyle is on the upstream side of the Klickitat], here we landed to Smoke a pipe with the nativs and examine the mouth of the river, which I found to be 60 yards wide rapid and deep, The inhabitants of the village are friendly and Chearfull; those people inform us also those at the last village that this little river is long and full of falls, no Salmon pass up it, it runs from N. N. E. that ten nations live on this river and its waters, on buries, and what game that Can kill with their Bow & arrows we purchased 4 dogs and Set out- (this village is the of the Same nation of the one we last passed) and proceeded on The Countrey on each side begin to be thicker timbered with Pine and low white Oake; verry rockey and broken [passing Mayer State Park on the Oregon side]. passed three large rocks in The river the middle rock is large long and has Several Squar vaults on it.

we call this rockey Island the Sepulchar [Memaloose Island] - The last river we passed we Shall Call the Cataract River [Klickitat River] from the number of falls which the Indians say is on it- passed 2 Lodges of Indians a Short distance below the Sepulchar Island [Memaloose Island] on the Stard. Side river wide, at 4 mile passed 2 houses on the Stard. Side, Six miles lower passed 4 houses above the mouth of a Small river 40 yards wide on the Lard. Side [Hood River] a thick timbered bottom above & back of those houses; those are the first houses which we have Seen on the South Side of the Columbia River, (and the axess to those dificuelt) for fear of the approach of their common enemies the Snake Indians, passed 14 houses on the Std. Side Scattered on the bank- from the mouth of this little river which we shall Call Labeasche River [Hood River], the falls mountain [Mount Hood] is South and the top is covered with Snow. one mile below pass the mouth of a large rapid Stream on the Stard.

Side [White Salmon River], opposit to a large Sand bar [from Hood River], in this creek the Indians above take their fish, here we Saw Several canoes, which induced us to call this Canoe Creek [White Salmon River] it is 28 yards wide, about 4 miles lower and below the Sand bar [Hood River sandbar] is a butifull cascade falling over a rock of about 100 feet [Wah Gwin Gwin Falls, location of the Columbia Gorge Hotel], [On the route map (Moulton, vol.1, map#78) a "C___ Spring" is shown on the north side of the river, today the location of Spring Creek and Spring Creek Fish Hatchery, with no mention of it in any text. On the south side, at the location of Wah Gwin Gwin Falls, only "Cascade" is labeled and "4 Houses of Indians".] a Short distance lower passed 4 Indian houses on the Lard. Side in a timbered bottom, a fiew miles further we came too at 3 houses on Stard. Side, back of which is a pond [today the location of Drano Lake.

The Little White Salmon River empties into Drano Lake.] in which I Saw Great numbers of Small Swan, Capt. Lewis and went into the houses of those people ... Here the mountains are high on each Side, those to the Lard. Side has Some Snow on them at this time, more timber than above and of greater variety. Klickitat River Steelhead 888-950-FISH (3474) THE KLICKITAT RIVER The Klickitat River, located in Southeastern Washington is one of the state’s longest free flowing rivers, stretching approximately 100 miles from its glacial source to the mouth of the Columbia River. The Klickitat River originates from numerous small tributaries that course from the rugged, jagged, snow capped peaks of Mount Adams, a 12, 276-ft. active volcano. This renowned Pacific Northwest steelhead and salmon stream gains momentum quickly, dropping approximately 5000 feet in total elevation by the time it reaches the confluence of the Columbia River. The rapid, swift gradient, glacier fed currents of this river over millions of years has cut its way through deep basalt canyon walls.

Like no other place I have ever seen, age old rugged oak, fur and alder trees cover hillsides of this steep river gorge, creating a unique and beautiful environment for a day of fly fishing. On its decent to the Columbia, the Klickitat tumbles over massive boulders, slices through narrow substratum chutes, and weaves around log-jams and other natural river obstacles. A mile upstream from the small community of Lyle, the Klickitat narrows into a torrent chute where salmon and steelhead strain against the strong currents of the river, dodging boulders and other obstruction to journey upriver. Even today Native Americans dip net for salmon and steelhead from rickety leaning scaffolds assembled along the cliff face walls perched high above the rapids as these resilient fish make their arduous trek up river to their spawning grounds This beautiful Southeastern Washington River supports healthy runs of Chinook Salmon (King), Silver Salmon (Coho) and the Pacific Northwest Steelhead. Strains of both hatchery and wild steelhead return to the "Klick" each year and proliferate throughout the system during the fishing season.

The Klickitat River is also known for its spectacular, vivid scenery and abundant wildlife that roam the hillsides and banks of the river. Its not uncommon during your day of fishing to observe a diverse variety of game species. Throughout most areas of the river, Mule deer and wild turkeys wander the hillsides of the Klickitat Canyon. The Klickitat River is also known for its spectacular, vivid scenery and abundant wildlife that roam the hillsides and banks of the river. Its not uncommon during your day of fishing to observe a diverse variety of game species. Throughout most areas of the river, Mule deer and wild turkeys wander the hillsides of the Klickitat Canyon. Other sections provide ideal habitat for visiting elk herds and curious black bears. Elusive cougars wander the rocky ridges along the canyon walls. Timber Rattlers are prevalent to the Klickitat River Basin and one should always be aware when walking and fishing the banks of the river.The upper reaches of the Klickitat River serve as nesting sites for several birds of prey which include; Red Tail Hawks, Ospreys and Bald Eagles. These strong, symbols of our great country, once on the edge of extinction have adapted well to the area.

During the course of the year these large birds of prey thrive on the nutritional contents of decomposing salmon carcasses. Perhaps, the most remote and picturesque sections of river wilderness lie in the upper reaches of the Klickitat Basin. From the small mountain tributary of Summit Creek down river approximately 20 river miles to the boat launch at "Slide-out". These upper reaches of the Klickitat River are unburdened from human civilization. The peaceful surroundings here is nature at its best---one hears nothing but the forceful descent of water plunging over rocks and the pleasant sounds of wild life.The summer run steelhead season begins each year on the first day of June. Steve Worley and members of his elite team of guiding professionals at Worley Bugger Fly Co. will be conducting fly fishing trips on the Klickitat River during the premier months. Each year, populations of both wild and hatchery run anadromous fish return to the Klickitat system.The Klickitat River provides passage for a variety of native anadromous fish, predominantly spring and fall runs of Chinook Salmon, as well as a small number of Coho Salmon (also known as "Silvers").

The river also experiences a strong run of both wild and hatchery Steelhead. Over the years, the river has become renowned for the vast numbers of returning fish and the amazing size of these salmon and steelhead. It is not uncommon for one to catch a King salmon over 30 pounds. In fact, many anglers claim they have caught some of these "kings of the river" up to 60 pounds. Catching wild steelhead in the Fall over 12 pounds is not uncommon, while early hatchery summer run Steelhead exceeding 20 lbs are caught each and every year.Like we had previously mentioned, the Klickitat's main source of water is supplied by the melting glacier of Mount Adam's as well as small flowing tributaries that fuel the streams rapid gradient flows as it makes it way to the Columbia River. During periods of warm weather, melting snow and ice from the glacier will increase. The water clarity will quickly turn and produce an opaque white color. When this occurs steelhead use these river conditions to their advantage. They move from the deeper, darker runs of the Klickitat and begin holding in shallower waters.

It is during these periods that steelhead feel safe and secure and can easily be targeted with flies. While others have left the river for the summer opting for clearer water conditions to return, we fish with tremendous successes.If the valley experiences a sudden rain shower and this precipitation touches on a portion of the Klickitat feed glacier most often the water will become chocked with sand and silt. The result generally isn't good. The river will rise quickly in height and flow and water clarity will be compromised as mud flows become prevalent. During these periods we have no confidence in the fish or the fishing and we will wait until conditions improve.A variety of fly fishing tactics are effective for "hooking up" with a Klickitat River Steelhead throughout the year. Swinging flies is by far the preferred method of catching these rainbows of the river, however it is not always the most productive. The Klickitat offers everyone a diverse challenge with unique and exciting runs. Some are good for swinging, while others are better suited for dead drifting steelhead nymphs. We have several distinct strategies that produce results time and time again.

These are strong, aggressive fish so so we encourage our guest to keep an open mind and be prepared to fish for Klickitat Steelhead in a variety of fun and exciting challenges.Spey fishing with two handed fly rods up to 16' is becoming increasable popular each and every year. Spey rods can be used on the river, however they are not necessary and in some cases over kill. A nine to nine and 1/2- seven or eight weight fly rod with floating line is generally adequate gear for fishing the "Klick". It is usually good to have several varieties and densities of sinking tips in appropriate lengths as well. If you do prefer a two hander, a shorter length usually in the 12 foot range is sufficient for the Klickitat. Switch rods are the preferred method of fishing the upper river and our guides are very proficient in there use. We are happy to teach you this fun and productive method of catching steelhead for during the day.If you would like to experience this incredible river for yourself or have any questions about our guided fly fishing please feel free to contact us. Our professional guiding services are very popular and highly respected and dates for the Klickitat River Steelhead season begin filling quickly each year.

Klickitat Trail | US Forest Service U.S. Forest Service Enter the terms you wish to search for. Search Home >> Visit Us >> Destination >> Klickitat Trail Klickitat Trail Klickitat_Trail.jpg Nowhere else is there a rail trail that starts in a remote, beautiful tributary canyon, winds along a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River , and finishes in one of the nation’s only National Scenic Areas . Located in southern Washington State, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the Klickitat Trail follows the first 31 miles of an old railroad corridor linking the towns of Lyle and Goldendale. The Klickitat corridor is a pristine area, largely isolated from human activity and thus uniquely equipped to offer habitat to a variety of endemic and endangered flora and fauna. The trail follows the Klickitat River , a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, and passes through the Swale Creek Canyon, an extraordinary scenic and ecologically significant area. Washington State Parks , the U.S. Forest Service, and the Klickitat Trail Conservancy keep this trail open and managed for the public. The trail offers spectacular river and canyon views throughout its length.

The beautiful carved gorges of the Klickitat and Swale Canyons, with their rolling oak and pine forested hillsides, host spectacular wildflower displays and provide topnotch birding opportunities. These are just a few of the unique attributes that make this trail truly a gem of the Columbia Gorge and Pacific Northwest, enjoyed by the public throughout the entire year What Will I See? Ground nesting birds, Western Meadowlarks and quite a few Northern Harriers. Northern goshawk, bald eagle, golden eagle, and wild turkey can also be found in the area. Western Grey Squirrel and threatened plants Lomatium Suksdorfii and Ranunculus reconditus. The Klickitat River is the natural habitat of the steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon. Dramatic and unique geologic landscapes can also be seen. Steep columnar basalt cliffs are visible from the trail near Wahkiacus. And about a mile from the Lyle Trailhead is an area known as the "Narrows" where the river squeezes through the basalt flows. The trail in winter brings a landscape of quiet solitude and offers the chance to cross-country ski or enjoy unique ice formations along the cliffs.

Spring delivers green-draped hills with a profusion of wildflowers. The landscape turns to shades of beige and brown by early summer. By fall the oaks and maples are putting on a last burst of color in the cool crisp air. About This Destination In 1903, the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad built the original railroad linking Lyle and Goldendale, Wash., to transport crops, lumber and livestock. Passenger service existed for several years during the 1920s between Portland, Oregon, and Goldendale, Washington. Lumber was king and the railroad was an important part of its transport until the 1980s. It was abandoned in 1992 following the decline of the lumber mill in the town of Klickitat and the mill in Goldendale. The railroad right-of-way was purchased in 1993 by the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy . Ownership of the rail line was transferred to Washington State Parks in 1994. In 2003, local supporters of the trail formed the Klickitat Trail Conservancy (KTC). In 2007-2008, the U.S.

Forest Service completed its trail management and development plan which includes a partnership with the Klickitat Trail Conservancy and Washington State Parks. This is the plan under which all three organizations are currently working and now manage the trail cooperatively. What Should I Know? Amenities: No camping, hunting or building of fires allowed. Operating Hours: This multi-use trail is ideal for a variety of recreational uses throughout the seasons. Swale Canyon is closed seasonally due to fire danger, usually mid-June to mid-October. Fees: None. Reservations: Not necessary. Think safety: There is a lot of poison oak along the edges of the trail, and there are plenty of ticks and some rattlesnakes. Cell phones do not work in some areas. Always bring water. Accessibility: The hike is flat, but the path is rocky in places. The entire Swale Canyon hike is difficult, 13 miles (6+ hours) Other info: Ancient traditions continue near the trail. The Klickitat River is one of only two Native American dip-net fisheries in the Columbia River Basin. Pets must be on a leash at all times. No removing, or disturbing plant life or other natural or historic resources. How Do I Get There?

46.482613, -121.7481423 Klickitat Trail | Washington Trails | TrailLink.com Klickitat Trail Conservancy Discover a rare trail adventure in the hills above the Columbia River as you traverse a remote canyon and a National Scenic Area, as well as 11 miles of nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, along the Klickitat Trail. The 1903 Columbia River & Northern Railroad line paralleled the Klickitat River for much of its 42 miles from Goldendale to Lyle, transporting food goods, livestock, and lumber to steamships on the Columbia. In 1908, the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway lined the Washington shore and absorbed the short line. Lyle became a vital shipping point for sheep and wheat, while passengers rode the line to Portland. The BNSF Railway operated the line from 1970 to the early 1990s, when the Klickitat lumber mill closed. Now, almost 30 miles of scenic trail climb from the Columbia River to the Goldendale Plateau.

A missing trestle divides the trail into two parts at the northern tip; therefore, you must experience each part separately. Here, the trail also experiences a transition zone, creating two distinct landscapes with separate climates. Crushed gravel lines the western 13.2 miles of trail from Lyle to Klickitat. (Note: This is the only portion of the trail open to equestrians.) After traveling 1.7 miles, you'll reach the boundary of the Columbia River National Scenic Area and cross the Fisher Hill Trestle to the west bank, away from the highway. Oaks and ponderosa pines abound along the Klickitat riverside, where eagles congregate in winter and wildflowers bloom in spring. This trail section ends at a 3-mile detour through the town of Klickitat, around a missing trestle. From here, you can hike to a beach and a dry ice plant created in the 1930s (and supported by the area's once-prevalent mineral springs).

The contrasting beauty of the remote Swale Canyon begins east of Klickitat and continues southeast for 16.4 miles, passing below basalt cliffs (on a somewhat rocky, irregular surface) to the open prairie flatlands of the Golden Plateau. Due to its dryness and potential fire dangers, this section of trail is only open from October through June. Note: Brief gaps and technical areas require dismounts for bikers. The only way in or out of the canyon is at the trailheads, and solo travel is discouraged. To enjoy this extraordinary backcountry safely, go to the Klickitat Trail Conservancy's website to access precautions, guidelines, and essential tips for hikers and mountain bikers. Plan better than we did! August, 2013 by peter298 A few words of warning: We hiked the eastern half of the trail from north to the southern trail head on Harms Road on a hot August day. Not the best idea. This trail seems better for mountain bikers than hikers, and is probably a lot more fun in Spring ... read more p.s. note to Swayle Canyon ride October, 2012 by zpamz Forgot to mention a couple small things.

I rode a 29-er mountain bike and had fairly new tires. I got lucky and had no flats, so maybe the fresher tires helped. But I had a couple extra tubes and patch stuff just in case, and recommend the same for others. ... read more Swayle Canyon, early Fall 2012 October, 2012 by zpamz My main interest was the upper half of the trail, riding through Swayle Canyon. I didn't have anyone to go with, so I parked at the Wahkiacus access (keep your eyes peeled for the Horseshoe Bend right turn, off 142, easy to miss) and figured I'd ride ... read more Klickitat, WA - Klickitat, Washington Map & Directions - MapQuest {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics Klickitat is a census-designated place (CDP) in Klickitat County, Washington, United States. The population was 417 at the 2000 census. Klickitat is an unincorporated town located along the Klickitat River. Once the site of a lumber mill it is now primarily a bedroom community.

The closest major town in Washington is Goldendale. There are also several residential areas near Klickitat including, Pitt and Wahkiacus. On the Oregon side the nearest large towns are Hood River and The Dalles. Klickitat is located at 45°48′59″N 121°9′50″W / 45.81639°N 121.16389°W / 45.81639; -121.16389 (45.816412, -121.163790).

Question: In which US state is the Klickitat River?
Answer: WASHINGTON